The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum "Is Calvinism the Gospel?"

First, let's get the history of historic, officially recorded Arminianism right, shall we? Secondly, you have all but admitted that you are not overly familiar with the Canons of the Synod of Dordt. Without having at least a working knowledge of this document, it is impossible to know what historic, classic Arminianism believes. Here is a brief summary of the history that led up to the emergence of Arminianism and its unanimous rejection and refutation by all the Protestant and Reformed churches of that day.

Historical Background

1. The Doctrines of Grace were well known and believed long before John Calvin.
a. Waldensians - 13th and 14th century in Holland.
b. Brethren of the Common Life brought biblical literacy to the region.
c. 1445 lay organizations, "Redenrijkerskamers" were criticizing abuses within the R.C.C.
d. Lauren Koster was instrumental in publishing many books that were distributed.

2. Augustinian monks, around 1578 traveled throughout Holland preaching evangelical doctrines.

3. Soon after the N.T. appeared in the German language in 1522 it was translated into Dutch. Other editions soon followed, which were distributed among the people.

4. Calvinism as a system of doctrine finally arrived somewhere around 1544, flowing in from Geneva through France to the Southern Provinces where the people spoke mainly French. It was here that the churches were first organized.

5. Jacob Harmsen [Latinized it was Jacobus Arminius] soon after his ordination to the Christian ministry in 1588, was asked to refute the views of a man named Coornhert who held to a view of the doctrine of election which was contrary to that taught in the Belgic Confession (1561) and the Heidelberg Catechism (1563). It was during his study of Coornhert’s heretical views that he began to question his own views. Later, having kept his change of view secret, he was sent to Geneva where he studied under Calvin’s successor, Theodore Beza. Thereafter he was appointed chair of Theology at the University of Leiden in 1602. This was only 14 years after his ordination.

6. From what Arminius had taught, much in private for fear of persecution and possible expulsion, there was a group of men, mostly ministers who composed a document, known later as the “Remonstrance. They claimed their purpose was simply to suggest revisions to the confessions of the church, i.e., the Belgic Confession and Heidelberg Catechism, and not to change them. During 1610, these followers of the teachings of Arminius officially submitted their Remonstrance to the church for consideration.

7. It was in response to this “Remonstrance” that the Synod of Dordrecht was convened.

8. The importance of recognizing the modus operandi, tactics of the Arminians for today:
a. They used recognized terms but having redefined them secretly.
b. They used “proof texting” without sound exegetical support; out of context.
c. They constantly pleaded for “tolerance” by those in opposition.
d. They always professed to be Reformed, i.e., in complete agreement with the church.